Local Comics Store Spotlight: Legend Comics & Coffee
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Legend Comics & Coffee (Part Two)
Together they moved into an historic brick building not too far from midtown Omaha. They now had the space and resources to expand "Legend Comics" into "Legend Comics & Coffee". The store is split by a single step and long wall into two halves. In the lower portion are four walls completely covered in comics accompanied by rows of neatly stored back issues in the middle. Above is the coffee shop filled with iron chairs and tables that can be easily reorganized for a variety of events. While they are physically distinct, the two sections form a single cohesive store that encourages customers to stick around and read once they've purchased their comics.
It's not just the coffee that sets Legend apart, far from it actually. The concept of having a place for people to gather when they're not picking up or perusing comics is at the heart of what they've accomplished though. Jason said one goal he did not anticipate was "fostering the giant community that has sprung up around the store." People quickly began to use Legend as a hangout and wanted to use it for even more. It was a surprise, but a good one. That attraction stems from the key tenets Jason lays out as being what he wanted to differentiate Legend from the competition: "Clean, organized, well stocked with a great variety of material and, most importantly, a friendly atmosphere."
From that foundation Legend has become a hub for young people and creative groups throughout the Omaha area. They host both a monthly creator's workshop for comics creators and a weekly writer's workshop for those focused on prose. There are regular stand-up nights as well where aspiring comedians can try out new material in front of friends and strangers alike. Each of these events speaks to the energy that surrounds the shop and how it inspires its patrons to try new things and show off what they can do as well.
Legend has also been active in giving back to its city. The owners consider themselves to be a part of Omaha, both as citizens and members of the small business community. Perhaps the best-known instance of the store giving back is its annual Make-A-Wish Fundraiser. Over a few months they collect entries for a drawing in which some of the best known comics in the world will be given away. This has included Amazing Fantasy #15 and The Walking Dead #1 in the past. The effort was originally inspired by DeMarco's niece who benefited from Make-A-Wish and he describes as a "bright, endlessly positive young woman." Her enthusiasm and work in non-profits after surviving cancer have inspired him and his partners to do good work wherever possible.
Through all of these events, fundraisers, and unique aspects of their store, Legend has managed to not become just one of many comics stores in Omaha. They stand out amidst the crowd for being an active partner in their own community. Whether that means supporting creative endeavors, good causes, or interested youth, the owners and staff at Legend are devoted to bettering the city around them. It's a lot of work, good work, and it all started with the dream of owning a comic book store.
Click ahead to see full details and photos of Legend Comics & Coffee.
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Store Info
Name: Legend Comics & Coffee
Address: 5207 Leavenworth Street
Omaha, NE 68106
Phone: (402) 391-2377
Website: Legend Comics & Coffee
Twitter: @LegendComicsNE
Facebook: Legend Comics & Coffee